NORTHDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
NCA Deed Restriction Committee Report
Continuing on the positive news in the JanuaryFebruary report, addressing deed restriction violations has greatly improved the appearance of Northdale. Not only have people made changes when the need was identified, it seems that they are maintaining the improvements. As a result, the overall number of violations has greatly decreased.
In its most recent report, Merit indicated that that there is a total of 541 Deed Restriction violations that should be addressed. This means that some people may have had 2 to 3 violations. This involves just 200-300 of the 2700 homes in Northdale. There has also been a great reduction in the letters sent from the lawyer. People have spoken with Merit or their village representative and described a particular impediment to completing the work. They have been able to explain delays such as health issues, waiting for a painter to get started or simply needing some extra help. Their “lawyer letter” status has been put on hold. (Through the efforts of a Civic Association Board member, groups of volunteers from the
community have been organized to help their neighbors-in-need in making improvements. If you believe that you, or neighbor, have a hardship in tackling your deed restriction violation(s), please contact a member of the Northdale Civic Association. The contact information for Civic Association members can be found online at Northdale.org. Click on “Contact.”)
There are a handful of homes that show no sign of progress in resolving violations. These residents have received the maximum number of letters from the lawyer and yet have made no changes. They have not contacted Merit, their representative, nor anyone on the NCA Board seeking assistance. For these reasons, the very worst offenders will be offered mediation. The ultimate step will be to bring those involved to court should mediation fail or be refused. It is a step that the Northdale Civic Association will hate to take but will proceed if necessary.
There are lots of negative comments about the efforts in addressing deed restriction violations, particularly on social media. Aggressive and somewhat threatening phone calls have been received by some NCA Board members. Generally speaking, those who are complaining the most are NOT members of the Northdale Civic Association! What these folks do not seem to understand is that it takes the efforts of all home owners AND renters to keep Northdale
attractive and, ultimately, valuable in the real estate market. It is the responsibility of ALL residents to make sure their living area is neat. It is simple, common courtesy. Deed restrictions are the reminders of the basic things that need to be done to maintain the appearance of a property. As the saying goes, “We are all in this together!”
For those Northdale neighbors who have needed to cut down a laurel oak because it had become diseased or blown over in a storm, USA Lawns, in conjunction with the NCA and the Special Tax District, has a special offer that can help you fill the hole. During April ONLY, USA Lawns will plant an 8-10 foot live oak tree for $300 for Northdale residents. Live Oaks have a very long life span. (Bearss Groves, on Lake Magdalene Blvd., has a 400 year old live oak tree!)
Additional news: At the end of January, the Northdale Golf and Tennis Club was sold at auction. The NCA Board of Directors sent letters to the auction house as well as the Hillsborough County Commissioners about maintaining that property’s current zoning code. We will provide more information when it becomes available.
Thank you,
Tom Murray
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
The Northdale Civic Association is proud to sponsor the following annual events for our residents:
On Saturday, March 28th from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. turn clutter and unused possessions into cash by participating in Northdale’s Community-wide Garage Sale. The NCA handles advertising and charges only $5 to include your address in the Treasure Map on the community website www.northdale.org
On Saturday, April 11th the NCA partners with Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Dept. for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Northdale Park. This event is free for children 10 and under. Beginning at 9 A.M. volunteers will give participating children a raffle ticket for a prize drawing of gifts donated by local businesses and organizations. Please bring a basket for the little ones to carry their eggs. I’ve heard that the Easter Bunny will be stopping by for pictures with the children. If you, or your business, would be interested in donating a basket for the raffle, please contact NCA Board Member, Martha Hughes, at 813-477-0924.
On Saturday, April 18th the NCA sponsors the 18th annual Northdale Family Fun Festival & Parade at Northdale Park. Event hours are 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. The parade will kick off at 9:45 A.M. Come early and find a spot along Northdale Boulevard, from Mapledale Drive to Spring Pine Drive, and give all the participants a warm welcome. Then enjoy the fun and festivities at Northdale Park. All food, bottled water, games, inflatables, parking, and entertainment are offered free to the public. This is possible due to the generosity and commitment of the many supportive table sponsors, participating restaurants and food vendors. It’s a great day to meet your neighbors. Please note: Students can earn community service hours at this event. Students need to bring their school forms with them, sign in at the Northdale Civic Association booth when they arrive, and sign out when they finish. A
Northdale Park staff member will then sign their paperwork for credit. Any questions, please call me.
I encourage residents to participate in the Northdale Civic Association Deed Restriction Survey which is available from the main page of the community website, www.northdale.org. Your input is important to us. So far, results are 50-50. We’re either too strict, or we aren’t doing nearly enough. Some responders want the deed restrictions changed to make them less restrictive, some want them even stricter. Existing deed restrictions cannot be changed without the approval of a majority of homeowners (in some villages more than a majority) and then officially filing them. It would be a labor intensive, expensive process and a difficult mountain to climb.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offering free income tax preparation services at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library from 11A.M. - 3 P.M. on a first-come, first-served basis with special attention to those 60 and older. This program is in cooperation with the Free Tax Preparation Program in Hillsborough County.
I want to thank the many homeowners that support our efforts with their membership dollars. If you haven’t yet joined, we provide easy payment on-line at www.northdale.org, or return the form in this issue with your remittance. Like us on Facebook to keep abreast of what’s happening in Northdale. We invite residents to attend NCA Board meetings. They’re held the 3rd Tuesday of every month, except in December. Meetings begin at 7 P.M. at Northdale Park in the Bill Castens Gymnasium.
Sincerely,
WHAT IS THE NCA?
The Northdale Civic Association is a volunteer organization whose mission is to make Northdale a better place to live and increase property values by enforcing the deed restrictions to which each homeowner is legally subject.
The NCA is also the organized voice of Northdale, and represents residents when issues affecting Northdale are raised by Hillsborough County, the State of Florida and other governing bodies. The NCA issues this Newsletter and organizes the following events and programs: Welcome Wagon, Easter Egg Hunt, Community Garage Sales, Family Fun Festival, Northdale Pumpkin Run, Holiday Decorating Contest, Meet the Candidates, and the Northdale OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lively, Seniors). Board meetings are open to the public and held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month except December.
HOW TO JOIN THE NCA
Forms are available in each edition of the Northdale Newsletter. There are forms online at www.northdale.org.
HOW TO JOIN THE BOARD
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $50.00. All members are eligible to run for NCA Board positions in elections held each January. Elections for those positions are made by the sitting board at the monthly board meetings. The dates of those meetings are posted in the Community Calendar.
NCA BOARD OFFICERS
President: Ann Frisbie – Golf Club Estates I - 813-968-8460
Vice President: Tom Murray – Gables I - 781-760-7959
Secretary: Chelsea Walkenhorst – Golf Club Estates II - 615-513-8026
Treasurer: Bill Castens – The Woodlands - 813-833-0102
NCA BOARD DIRECTORS
Robert Demeo – Golf Club Estates III - 813-546-0873
Nelson Marcano – Bay/Levitt - 813-732-9998
Martha Hughes – Fox Hollow - 813-477-0924
Robert Mantler – Claywell - 813-843-2137
Angela Rey – The Hammocks - 813-586-0243
Raymond Powell – Silverhill - 813-264-6157
Claude Siler-Nixon – Gables III - 813-362-4667
James Salgado – Country Mill, Brentwood Park & Fairway Villas - 813-610-2115
Jessica Watterson – Gables II - 630-569-2479
DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS
Residents may request an investigation of a Deed Restriction violation. Complaints must be in writing and submitted online to Merit Management Association-Perfected (“Merit”). Merit conducts periodic neighborhood inspections and will act on their findings when necessary.
To request an investigation of a possible Deed Restriction violation, go to the NCA website, www.northdale.org. On the left side of the Main Page, click on “Deed Restrictions”. Page down and select the “Online Complaint Form,” and fill it out with all pertinent information. You will be able to include a photo. Your form will be received by Merit.
When a violation occurs, Merit will send a letter to the homeowner(s) with a request to correct the problem(s).
If a homeowner has not corrected their violation(s) they’ll receive a second letter from Merit. Merit will complete a third inspection. If the deed restriction violation(s) remain after the third letter, legal action will be pursued. The resident will be notified of this step in a fourth letter.
Deed Restrictions for the “Villages” that make up Northdale can be found on the Northdale website. Select “Deed Restrictions” from the Main Page and click on the picture of the entrance to your “Village” (e.g. Gables 1). The Deed Restrictions will be displayed and can be printed for your records.
The NCA will not become involved in conflicts between neighbors, animal problems or landscape issues due to drought.
March 3
OWLS Monthly Meeting
Corned Beef & Cabbage Lunch
11:00 AM
Northdale Park
Bill Castens Gymnasium
March 10 NSTD Meeting
7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room
March 17
NCA Board Meeting
7:00 PM
Park
Conference Room
March 28
Community-wide Garage Sale
8 A.M. – 1 P.M.
April 7
OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch 11:00 AM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium
April 11 Easter Egg Hunt 9:00 AM
Park
April 14
Meeting
Park
Conference Room
April 18
Family Fun Festival & Parade 10:00 AM – 2 PM
Park
April 21 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM
Park
Conference Room
Monthly Meetings on 1st Tues 11 AM @ Northdale Park
Our Mission is to create a growing network of co-ed seniors, to provide social activities, local events, travel, entertainment and educational seminars in common interest groups as ways to safely enjoy our lives.
“OWLS March Madness – Even if you don’t follow basketball!”
Mar 3, Tues – Corned Beef Cabbage, Bag Pipes, Irish Dancing & Such at Owls luncheon.
Mar 10, Tues – “Beyond The Dark” presentation at Southeastern Guide Dogs
Mar 12, Thurs – “River Cruise” followed by lunch at Rick’s On The River.
Mar 16, Mon – Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.
Mar 18, Wed – “Lunch Bunch” at Bonefish Grill (separate checks).
Mar 22, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: A Streetcar Named Desire, a drama!
Mar 24, Tues – “Spree Hike” at Alderman’s Ford Park.
Mar 27, Fri -- Tampa Bay Lightning hockey – Bolts vs Arizona Coyotes – GO BOLTS!
Apr 7, Tues – Suzanne Reno & Client Geisler, the singing duo at monthly Owls meeting!
Apr 9, Thurs – HCC Culinary School Fine Dining at bargain pricing!
Apr 11, Sat – Easter Egg Hunt at Northdale Park – Free event for the grandkids!
Apr 14, Tues – Clearwater Sugar Sand Festival
Apr 15, Wed – Lunch Bunch at Yummy House China Bistro (Separate Checks).
Apr 17, Fri – Travel by Cross Bay Ferry to & from Vinoy Renaissance Hotel for lunch.
Apr 18, Sat – Family Fun Festival - Free Parking, Food, Games & Entertainment.
Apr 19, Sun – Orlando overnight Jeanne Robertson comedy event.
Apr 20, Mon -- Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.
Apr 24, Fri – 6th Annual Owls Picnic at Park food catered by John Erb.
Apr 26, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: Vania & Sonia & Marsha & Spike, a comedy
Apr 29, Wed – Tampa Bay Downs Horse Races with reserve seating & buffet lunch.
May 5, Tues – Live Owl demonstration by Owls Nest Sanctuary for Wild Life.
For other scheduled events, see Owls website at: www.NorthdaleOWLS.org
Weekly Activities include Aerobics Lite, Bridge, Line Dancing, BBOB’s (Bill’s Blooming Orchid Buddies), Couples Dance, Hand & Foot Cards, Mah Jongg, “Dress A Girl”, Pickleball, Yoga, Singing Hooters, Tai Chi, Table Tennis, Technology Workshop, Ukulele, Meals on Wheels Deliveries, & Walking!
Got Questions? Talk to any member of the OWLS, or contact Bill Castens at (813) 833-0102
NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT
Currently, Northdale’s Special Tax District is busy with the regular maintenance of common areas as it awaits (still!) permits to initiate Northdale wall repairs. You have probably noticed that all holiday-related decorations, including the poinsettias, have been removed. Pretty spring plantings now welcome people as they enter the Northdale area. In addition to the plantings, the necessary and on-going process of “weed and feed” is happening.
Regarding the Northdale entrance, work will begin on the median closest to the Dale Mabry/Northdale intersection. USA Lawns will be replacing tired or dead ground cover and decorative plants. New mulch will be spread.
As you travel down Northdale’s residential streets, you will notice that many of the large laurel oak trees are dying and being removed. These trees were planted as part of landscaping the newly established Northdale area 40 years ago. Laurel oaks were less expensive and grew tall very quickly. As they matured, they provided shade (plus pesky brown leaves everywhere!) and looked quite stately. Unfortunately, their life span is only 40-50 years and they become susceptible to disease. Northdale’s oaks are gradually dying. This has led to a lot of tree felling and stump grinding. As trees are removed, they leave a definite emptiness in the neighborhood’s scenery.
Good news! For Northdale homeowners who wish to restore an oak where a tree has been removed from their yard, USA Lawns has a special offer. They will plant a live oak, 8 to 10 feet tall, for $300.00. Life oaks have been known to last over 400 years! This price includes installation. The offer is available ONLY during the month of April. When trees are planted in April, they are in the ground in anticipation of the rainy season which begins in early May. This timing allows the trees 6 months of reliable moisture as they become established. For further information, contact Ray Rose, USA Lawns, 813-866-0022.
As time goes on, it is quite clear that people are ready to complain about circumstances, but few are willing to do anything to rectify the situation. There is an opening on the Northdale Special Tax District Board. If you wish to have input regarding what’s going on in the community, please attend the meetings. Join the Board. NSTD meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Conference Room of the Bill Castens Gymnasium.
Thank you and hope to see you at the meetings,
Tom Murray, PresidentUpdate: If you have not noticed, the broken wall at the corner of Woodlark and Northdale Boulevard has been repaired.
